Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin (1942-2018) was an American singer, considered the Queen of Soul. Her biggest hit was "Respect," released in 1967. She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Aretha Louise Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, on March 25, 1942. The daughter of Reverend Clarence LaVaughn Franklin and gospel singer and pianist Barbara Siggers, she moved with her family to Detroit at the age of four, where her father established the New Bethel Baptist Church. Her home was frequented by illustrious figures such as Duke Ellington and Elle Fitzgerald. Aretha grew up in a musical environment.
FIRST RECORDING
At age 10, Aretha began singing in her father's church. In 1956, at age 14, she recorded her first gospel album, titled "Songs of Faith," quickly gaining prominence in the gospel music scene. In 1960, she was signed by Columbia Records, which intended to transform her into a jazz and blues diva, but despite her powerful voice, she didn't achieve widespread success. During this period, she released nine albums, among which standout songs include "Today I Sing The Blues," "Cry Like a Baby," "Sweet Bitter Love," and "Rock-a-Bye Your Baby With a Dixie Melody," which remained among the top 40 most played songs at the time.
HITS BETWEEN 1967 AND 1970
Aretha's success only came seven years later, when in January 1967 she signed with Atlantic Records and in the same month released "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)." In February, the song reached the R&B charts, conquering the number 1 spot, and peaking at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In 1967, she released "Respect," which became the biggest hit of her career and soon made her known in the United States and Europe as "Lady Soul"—a symbol of the Black movement.
Between 1967 and 1970 Aretha Franklin released several hits, such as: "Dr Feeigood" (Love Is a Serious Business) (1967), (You Make Me Fee Like) "A Natural Woman" (1967), "Chain of Fools" (1967), "Dr Right Woman, Do Right Man" (1976), "Think" (1968), "I Say a Little Prayer" (1968), "Ain't No Way" (1968) and "Don't Play That Song" (1970).
HITS AND TRIBUTES
In 1979, Aretha was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
After a guest appearance on the comedy show The Blues Brothers, she released a series of hits in the 1980s, including "Who's Zooming Who?" and "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)," a duet with George Michael.
In 1987, she was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 2005, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush.
On January 20, 2009, Aretha sang the religious hymn "My Country Is of Thee" at the inauguration ceremony of President Barack Obama.
SICKNESS AND DEATH
In 2010, Aretha Franklin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. In 2011 she underwent surgery. In 2018, her health deteriorated. Aretha Franklin passed away in Detroit, Michigan, United States, on August 16, 2018.
ARETHA FRANKLIN - FUTPEDIAMUSIC SELECTION
Aretha Franklin
Futpediamusic Selection
14 Songs To Download
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